Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Scary experience

Well, I did something this morning I never thought to do...and it absolutely terrified me. I was on the radio.

A few weeks ago I received an email from a Christian talk show host in Flint, Michigan inviting me to appear on his half-hour broadcast. Since I have what amounts to a virtual phobia about being on the radio, I knew I had to do it just to get over my fears.

The phobia stems from the one other time I was on the radio in 1999 on a local station when we lived in Oregon. I always thought I did terrible - simply awful - and was so mortified over the experience that I never so much as listened to that episode even though it was recorded.

But my husband warned me that eventually these types of invitations would happen, and by golly he was right. So when Mr. Chris Levels of WSNL Victory600 in Flint, MI invited me to participate in his show called Politics and Prophecy, I was scared to death.

Mr. Levels was a perfect host. He fully understood my fears and encouraged me to be myself. After a restless night, I got up this morning at 4 am (even though the phone call from the station wasn't slated to come through until about 6:45 am Pacific time) because I couldn't sleep. As the hours ticked by, my hands grew colder and colder until they were positively icy.

Yet Chris Level's beautifully-modulated voice walked me through the interview with nary a trouble. His professionalism and kind encouragement were a welcome balm to my fears, and I'm hoping I didn't do half-badly.

A sincere thank-you, Chris, for your kindness in helping me get over this little phobia. I couldn't have asked for a better re-introduction to the world of radio, and actually find myself looking forward to the next opportunity.

3 comments:

  1. That's the way to go Patrice. Kick those fears right in the butt! There are so many kind people out there that go about their business without notice that it will astound anyone who is looking for it.

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  2. I'm glad it went well for you. I've found when we're lead into situations outside our comfort zone are some of the most rewarding. They are also reminders that our paths are guided. I feel especially blessed at those times. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

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  3. Chis Level's is an important assent in the Flint, MI community and a much needed voice. He is a conservative black man and you can imagine the flack he takes for that. He is a straight-shooter and isn't afraid of the truth and dealing with controversial topics. He also needs financial support to stay on the air and I hope folks can go to his Facebook page and contribute.

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